The New Zealand government has unveiled the Parent Boost Visa, a long-term visitor visa allowing parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to stay in the country for extended periods. This new immigration policy offers an initial five-year multiple-entry visa, with the option to apply for a second five-year term, enabling a total stay of up to 10 years.
The visa category, opening for applications on September 29, 2025, is designed strictly as a visitor visa. It does not offer a pathway to permanent residency. Applicants must leave New Zealand before the visa expires. Overstaying will lead to automatic deportation. For those seeking residency, the existing Parent Resident Visa remains available.
Eligibility and Sponsorship Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
Be of good character
Meet the acceptable standard of health (aligned with residence standards)
Not be required to demonstrate English proficiency
Applicants must be sponsored by a biological or adopted child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. Joint sponsorship is permitted with a partner or adult sibling. Sponsors are required to:
Cover living and accommodation costs
Provide access to health and financial support
Fund repatriation or deportation if necessary
Financial and Health Insurance Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following financial conditions:
Sponsor earns at least the median wage (or 1.5 times for joint sponsors), with additional increments for extra parents
Parent(s) have a personal income equal to New Zealand Superannuation (NZD $32,611.28 for singles, NZD $49,552.88 for couples)
Parent(s) hold personal funds of at least NZD $160,000 (single) or NZD $250,000 (couple)
Health insurance is mandatory and must include:
Emergency medical coverage of at least NZD $250,000/year
Repatriation, return of remains, and cancer treatment (minimum NZD $100,000)
Insurance must be maintained throughout the stay. Lapses in coverage can lead to visa cancellation and affect future visa applications, including residency.
Health Checks and Application Process
Applicants must complete two health checks:
One during the initial visa application
A second after three years (while outside New Zealand), along with proof of continuous insurance coverage
Applications can be submitted online via Immigration New Zealand (INZ) starting September 29, 2025.
Visa Fees and Processing Times
The visa fee is:
NZD $3,000 for most applicants
NZD $2,450 for Pacific fee band applicants
An additional NZD $100 for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy
A third-year health check incurs an extra processing fee:
NZD $325 (standard)
NZD $240 (Pacific fee band)
Processing time is expected to be within four months.
Work and Study Limitations
Parent Boost Visa holders may:
Study for up to three months per year
Perform remote work for offshore employers
Any form of income earned in New Zealand, including passive income, may trigger New Zealand tax obligations. For extended work or study, parents must apply for an appropriate visa under the country’s immigration laws.
Comparison with Other Parent Visas
Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa: Valid for 18 months over three years, allowing six-month stays
Parent Resident Visa: Offers 2,500 residency spots annually via a ballot system
Parent Retirement Resident Visa: Requires NZD $1 million investment in eligible New Zealand assets for at least four years
Holding a Parent Boost Visa does not restrict applicants from submitting expressions of interest for other visas. However, only one visa may be held at a time. For instance, securing a Parent Boost Visa automatically cancels any existing Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa.
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